Wales positve

The British

& Irish Lions

Tour to New Zealand 2017

Wales positve

Alun Wyn Jones has urged his Wales team-mates not to dwell on their heartbreaking loss to Australia.

Wales were set to win their first match against Australia, in their own back yard, since 1969, as full-time approached in Melbourne.

But Rob Howley's men shot themselves in the foot and allowed the Wallabies one more chance. And they were duly punished as replacement fly-half Mike Harris fired over a match-winning penalty in injury time.

But Jones, a Lion in 2009, insists Wales cannot afford to beat themselves up over the loss and must instead focus on their last chance to claim an elusive Wallaby scalp.

"You can be somewhat negative, dour and these other things and say it's a desolate place," said Jones.

"But there's no point in dwelling on that. It's professional sport, we've got to move on and there's still an opportunity to win a game down here.

"It's a stick and there's a big carrot on the end of it. There's still a chance to make history in the last Test.

"It's unfortunate to go 2-0 down in that fashion, especially when we played so well. But it's done and we've got to get back on the horse. We've just got to crack on and carry on."

Wales outscored Australia by two tries to one at the Ethiad Stadium and Jones insists there are plenty of positives to build upon as the third and final Test approaches.

"It was a much-improved performance from last week," said the 64-times capped lock.

"There's a big positive from that and we've got to take that. I thought we were pretty good.

"We had parity on most occasions at the breakdown, the kicking game was improved and our defence was pretty good.

"If it was a boxing match, you'd be more than happy that you got your money's worth. It was blow for blow with regards to penalties in the second half.

"Essentially, the two teams were going for penalties in the end because defences were pretty strong.

"I thought we were pretty much in control during the second half and we were pretty comfortable.

"It was a case of piggy-back penalties down the field at the end and unfortunately they got the one in range and took it.

"But we believe we are improving. It's just a case of so close, yet so far. It is going to come.

"We know how close we came to winning it. So everyone is going to crack on for next week."